The Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko has underscored the importance of youth engagement, international cooperation and development of future leaders in making a positive impact globally.
In his speech the Deputy PM delivered a message of greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the guests and participants of the World Youth Festival Assembly opening ceremony Thursday evening, highlighting the festival’s significance as a platform for creativity, exchange of ideas, and fostering international friendship.
He emphasized on the need to further international youth cooperation noting that: “It is important that such a vital and fruitful dialogue continues. International friendship clubs, created to implement your joint projects and initiatives and expand opportunities for professional dialogue among young men and women who have come to us from abroad, serve these goals. Summer schools have opened for the first time at year-round youth educational centers.”
While expressing gratitude that such an event was being held in Russia, he reaffirmed support and wished the youth success in their plans. “And, of course, it is gratifying that large-scale festival events like this gathering will be held in our country annually. I wish you success, the fulfillment of your plans, and all the best.”
The gathering was attended by young leaders developing in one of seven fields: media, creative industries and creativity, public administration, entrepreneurship, sports, education and science, digitalization, and IT.
“You speak different languages, but you share one thing: a desire for friendship and excellence. We can do it,” the Deputy Prime Minister told participants.
Earlier in the day, Chernyshenko assessed the venue for the World Youth Festival gathering where he welcomed foreign bloggers participating in the educational program from the World Youth Festival Directorate and the New Media Workshop, and also watched the immersive show “Symphony of Time: Feel, Live, Create,” which introduces foreign participants to unique Russian culture and history.
He also discussed projects by participants at the World Youth Festival aimed at developing international cooperation and expanding their reach abroad.
These included: “Thematic Summer Schools by Focus Area,” “Thematic Blog Tours as a Tool for Preserving Historical Memory and Promoting an Objective Image of Russia Abroad,” “Restoring Monuments to Soviet Soldiers in Europe as a Way to Preserve Historical Memory,” and “Families of Russia: Meeting Friends.”
The Deputy Prime Minister particularly highlighted the project “Adaptation of Foreign Students Studying in Russia” by Moroccan student Souan Ayoub.
He focused on the adaptation of international students, proposing the introduction of a mentoring system, the creation of a best practices database, and the implementation of educational programs to enhance the competencies of university staff.
Dmitry Chernyshenko recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin has set a goal of increasing the number of international students at Russian universities to 500,000 by 2030 as part of the federal project “Russia in the World” and the national project “Youth and Children.”
Following the pitching session, the Deputy Prime Minister supported the initiatives, proposed refining them, and proposed discussing their implementation at the International Youth Festival in Krasnoyarsk in 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshenko underscored a common goal shared by all participants: “We desire to grow, develop, and make the world a better place together. Your efforts and dedication are vital to this mission.”
Further, he encouraged young people to continue their pursuits with passion and openness, emphasizing that their success is intertwined with the future of Russia and the world.
